Jewelry Making

DIY Jewelry, Beads And Patterns

Michaels Dream Tree Challenge Reveal

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Thank you, Michaels, for the opportunity to participate in the Dream Tree Challenge! It was a fun-filled whirlwind week planning, dreaming, shopping and creating my dream tree. See all the Dream Tree Challenge entries on Michaels Facebook page or Pinterest!

jeweled and glittered faux peacock feather

There were lots of shiny things I love.

glittery floral stems tucked into the tree to add some shine

ornament with shiny and matte textured surfaces

The ornaments came in many sizes, shapes, textures, and colors.

glittery ornaments in many colors

large ornament with glitter

enlongated ornament with gltter

large mirrored tile ball - a disco ball for your tree!

sequined ornaments that make me think of dragon scales

striped and dotted ornaments

I found ornaments in all my favorite colors.

red glittered owl ornament

Most of the ornaments are shatter-proof plastic despite their delicate and fragile looking beauty, which means they will grace my tree year after year.

two different kinds of wired ribbon in coordinating colors

The wired-ribbon curls and drapes in pretty lines and its colors and patterns coordinate with the ornaments.

treasure-box inspired tree "skirt"

I found lots of jewels and beaded garlands to fill my treasure box inspired tree “skirt.”

the treasure box tree "skirt" hides the tree stand

glittered purple bird floral pick

Glittered feathers, leaves, and ribbon spires along with this pretty, shiny bird make up my dream tree topper.

glittered leaves, feathers and ribbons spires make up the tree topper

my dream tree by daylight

The daylight highlights many details of my dream tree.

dream tree at night

By golden twinkle-light, my dream tree looks almost magical. What will Michaels Stores inspire you to create?

See all the Dream Tree Challenge entries on Michaels Facebook page or Pinterest!

Disclosure: Michaels Stores sent me this fabulous pre-lit tree along with a $500 in-store gift card to participate in the challenge. The opinions expressed in my posts about the Dream Tree Challenge are entirely my own.

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Have you read?

Book Review Wednesday: Bead Jewelry Making For Beginners

There is something very satisfying about bead jewelry making. It is one of those crafts that feels easy to start, but still gives you that lovely “I actually made this” moment when you finish a bracelet, necklace, or pair of earrings.

This week’s Book Review Wednesday pick is Bead Jewelry Making for Beginners, and unlike the trinket dish book where I was torn between our polymer clay and jewelry sections, this one sits very neatly here on Jewelry Making. Beads, findings, clasps, wire, earrings — no category confusion this time.

This looks like a useful beginner-friendly book for anyone wanting to move beyond simply stringing beads and start understanding how handmade jewelry actually comes together. Things like choosing beads, adding clasps, using findings properly, and making pieces that sit nicely are the little details that can make a beginner project feel much more polished.

I always think bead jewelry is a lovely craft for quick handmade gifts too. A simple bracelet, pair of earrings, or beaded necklace can be made fairly quickly, and it is easy to personalise with favourite colours, birthstones, charms, or leftover beads from the stash. And yes, if you have ever tipped a packet of seed beads across the table, you already know this craft comes with its own tiny chaos.

This book would suit new jewelry makers, teens, handmade gift makers, or anyone who has a bead stash tucked away and wants a little guidance getting started. Pair it with a basic set of jewelry pliers, beading wire or stretch cord, clasps, jump rings, and a bead mat, and you are ready to go.

My Shellie-style take? Bead Jewelry Making for Beginners looks like a practical, approachable starting point for anyone wanting to learn simple beaded jewelry techniques without feeling overwhelmed.